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1.2 Family Values and Traditions

4 min readnovember 15, 2020

Katelyn Lien

Katelyn Lien

Katelyn Lien

Katelyn Lien

🫡 Respect

One of the core values of Japanese families is respect. All older family members are believed to have more wisdom than their younger counterparts, so they must be respected. There are numerous ways to show respect. For example, one could call their family member using "," which emphasizes the higher status of that person.

Here is what a possible greeting between family members could look like:

"まちこさん、こんにちは! お元気ですか?” Machiko-, hello! How are you?

"あら、典子さん、お久しぶりです!" Oh Noriko-, nice to see you!

Another common way to show respect is to bow upon greeting. Rather than shaking hands, as is common in the US, bowing is the more widely accepted form of greeting. This acknowledges the other person and also shows that the family member completely respects the other.

https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/fiveable-92889.appspot.com/o/images%2F-AXHyujKD0wJ5.png?alt=media&token=f6b236eb-dc84-4fa1-aa7b-877303409b40

Image Courtesy of GoodFreePhotos

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Unity

Family members take pride in being part of a close-knit family. They like to be associated with their family name and relatives, so in a formal relationship, it is important to call them by their last name. In an informal relationship, family members may be called by their first name, but "" is usually attached to the name.

Formal: おはようございます、田中さん。 Good morning, Tanaka-. (Last name used)

Informal: けいかさん、一緒に食べましょう。 Keika-, let's eat together. (First name used)

In order to maintain close ties among all family members, family gatherings are very common. It is customary to always bring an (おみやげ) or gift to family gatherings. This shows mutual respect for one another and maintains the unity among family members that is so highly valued.

A common is (おせんべい), which are assorted rice crackers. They are a traditional Japanese snack and come in all kinds of flavors and shapes. They can be slightly sweet or salty and are packaged in beautiful boxes, which make them perfect gifts.

https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/fiveable-92889.appspot.com/o/images%2F-7QmQyjLHYCp4.png?alt=media&token=d471a474-f2e7-475b-8af5-cd808dbb5dd9

Image Courtesy of Wikimedia

Values taught in a family setting, such as showing respect and maintaining unity, translate into work and everyday settings as well. For example, people commonly acknowledge each other by bowing in places ranging from an office building to a small neighborhood street. Furthermore, people always refer to others using "" or "sama" to show common courtesy and respect.

Most Japanese people almost never argue with others. Even if they believe the other person is incorrect, they are not likely to push their own beliefs on the other person. Occasional small disagreements will occur quietly and loud arguments are quite rare.

🥢 Family Meals

Eating as a family is very important. This not only ensures that the family remains connected but also allows all family members to come together after being in separate places all day. Everyone waits until all members are seated, and family meals are an important time when everyone can talk about their day.

Almost all Japanese people use (はし), or chopsticks, during their meals. Family meals begin with everyone saying "" (いただきます), which loosely translated means "Let's eat." It is common to thank the person who made the meal and emphasize how delicious the food is. Although slurping is considered impolite in some communities, in Japan it has a very different meaning. When eating noodles, slurping loudly conveys to the cook and others that the food is delicious.

The meal ends when everyone has finished eating. Everyone says "" (ごちそうさま), which loosely translated means "I thank you for the meal." This phrase allows family members to verbally indicate their appreciation for the meal and for the ability to eat. They would like to express their gratitude for the cook, everyone who ate with them, and also the food that was involved in creating the meal.

🧧 Otoshidama

An annual Japanese family tradition is to give otoshidama (お年玉), a packet that contains money. As part of the New Years' celebration, grandparents and parents give otoshidama to the children in their family. They put different amounts of money depending on the child's age into small packets with beautiful designs. Children will generally receive otoshidama from their relatives until they are 20 years old.

Many children look forward to this family tradition because they get money. It shows that even as kids, they are appreciated and valued by their families. It is also a great time for parents to teach their kids about saving money. Usually, children only keep some of the money and save the rest for the future. In this way, they learn about the importance of money and its value from a very young age.

https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/fiveable-92889.appspot.com/o/images%2F-D91AdfavPnQ3.png?alt=media&token=b9def81c-4a36-41df-b995-addf5f40e9da

Image Courtesy of Wikimedia

🔑 Key Words

  • (さん): added to end of name to show respect

  • (おじぎ): bow

  • (はし): chopsticks

  • "" (いただきます): "Let's eat," phrase said at beginning of every meal

  • "" (ごちそうさま): "I thank you for the meal," phrase said at end of every meal

  • (おみやげ): gift

  • (おせんべい): rice crackers

  • Otoshidama (お年玉): packet of money given to children during New Years

💥 Strive for a Five Vocabulary

  • Sonkei (尊敬): respect

  • Myōji (名字): last name, family name

  • Hanasu (話す): to talk

  • Watasu (渡す): to hand over, to give

  • Shokuji (食事): meal

  • Taberu (食べる): to eat

  • Osara (お皿): plate

  • Okane (お金): money

  • Kangae (考え): thought

  • Kyōiku (教育): education

Key Terms to Review (8)

Goshisōsama

: Goshisōsama is an expression used after finishing a meal to show appreciation for the delicious food and hospitality received. It conveys gratitude towards the host or cook.

Hashi

: Hashi means chopsticks in Japanese. They are utensils commonly used for eating meals in Japan instead of forks and knives.

Itadakimasu

: Itadakimasu is a Japanese phrase used before starting a meal to express gratitude for the food. It is a way of acknowledging the effort and hard work that went into preparing the meal.

Myōji (名字)

: Myōji refers to one's family name or surname in Japanese. It is a common practice for individuals in Japan to have their family name come before their given name.

Ojigi

: Ojigi refers to the act of bowing in Japanese culture. It is considered a polite gesture and is commonly used as a form of greeting, apology, or showing gratitude.

Omiyage

: Omiyage refers to souvenirs or gifts that are brought back from travels or visits. They are often given to friends, family, or coworkers as a way of showing appreciation and sharing experiences.

Osenbei

: Osenbei are traditional Japanese rice crackers that are usually baked or grilled. They come in various shapes and flavors, and are often enjoyed as a snack with tea or as a topping for soups.

San

: San is a Japanese honorific title used to address someone with respect. It is equivalent to the English titles of Mr., Mrs., or Miss.

1.2 Family Values and Traditions

4 min readnovember 15, 2020

Katelyn Lien

Katelyn Lien

Katelyn Lien

Katelyn Lien

🫡 Respect

One of the core values of Japanese families is respect. All older family members are believed to have more wisdom than their younger counterparts, so they must be respected. There are numerous ways to show respect. For example, one could call their family member using "," which emphasizes the higher status of that person.

Here is what a possible greeting between family members could look like:

"まちこさん、こんにちは! お元気ですか?” Machiko-, hello! How are you?

"あら、典子さん、お久しぶりです!" Oh Noriko-, nice to see you!

Another common way to show respect is to bow upon greeting. Rather than shaking hands, as is common in the US, bowing is the more widely accepted form of greeting. This acknowledges the other person and also shows that the family member completely respects the other.

https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/fiveable-92889.appspot.com/o/images%2F-AXHyujKD0wJ5.png?alt=media&token=f6b236eb-dc84-4fa1-aa7b-877303409b40

Image Courtesy of GoodFreePhotos

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Unity

Family members take pride in being part of a close-knit family. They like to be associated with their family name and relatives, so in a formal relationship, it is important to call them by their last name. In an informal relationship, family members may be called by their first name, but "" is usually attached to the name.

Formal: おはようございます、田中さん。 Good morning, Tanaka-. (Last name used)

Informal: けいかさん、一緒に食べましょう。 Keika-, let's eat together. (First name used)

In order to maintain close ties among all family members, family gatherings are very common. It is customary to always bring an (おみやげ) or gift to family gatherings. This shows mutual respect for one another and maintains the unity among family members that is so highly valued.

A common is (おせんべい), which are assorted rice crackers. They are a traditional Japanese snack and come in all kinds of flavors and shapes. They can be slightly sweet or salty and are packaged in beautiful boxes, which make them perfect gifts.

https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/fiveable-92889.appspot.com/o/images%2F-7QmQyjLHYCp4.png?alt=media&token=d471a474-f2e7-475b-8af5-cd808dbb5dd9

Image Courtesy of Wikimedia

Values taught in a family setting, such as showing respect and maintaining unity, translate into work and everyday settings as well. For example, people commonly acknowledge each other by bowing in places ranging from an office building to a small neighborhood street. Furthermore, people always refer to others using "" or "sama" to show common courtesy and respect.

Most Japanese people almost never argue with others. Even if they believe the other person is incorrect, they are not likely to push their own beliefs on the other person. Occasional small disagreements will occur quietly and loud arguments are quite rare.

🥢 Family Meals

Eating as a family is very important. This not only ensures that the family remains connected but also allows all family members to come together after being in separate places all day. Everyone waits until all members are seated, and family meals are an important time when everyone can talk about their day.

Almost all Japanese people use (はし), or chopsticks, during their meals. Family meals begin with everyone saying "" (いただきます), which loosely translated means "Let's eat." It is common to thank the person who made the meal and emphasize how delicious the food is. Although slurping is considered impolite in some communities, in Japan it has a very different meaning. When eating noodles, slurping loudly conveys to the cook and others that the food is delicious.

The meal ends when everyone has finished eating. Everyone says "" (ごちそうさま), which loosely translated means "I thank you for the meal." This phrase allows family members to verbally indicate their appreciation for the meal and for the ability to eat. They would like to express their gratitude for the cook, everyone who ate with them, and also the food that was involved in creating the meal.

🧧 Otoshidama

An annual Japanese family tradition is to give otoshidama (お年玉), a packet that contains money. As part of the New Years' celebration, grandparents and parents give otoshidama to the children in their family. They put different amounts of money depending on the child's age into small packets with beautiful designs. Children will generally receive otoshidama from their relatives until they are 20 years old.

Many children look forward to this family tradition because they get money. It shows that even as kids, they are appreciated and valued by their families. It is also a great time for parents to teach their kids about saving money. Usually, children only keep some of the money and save the rest for the future. In this way, they learn about the importance of money and its value from a very young age.

https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/fiveable-92889.appspot.com/o/images%2F-D91AdfavPnQ3.png?alt=media&token=b9def81c-4a36-41df-b995-addf5f40e9da

Image Courtesy of Wikimedia

🔑 Key Words

  • (さん): added to end of name to show respect

  • (おじぎ): bow

  • (はし): chopsticks

  • "" (いただきます): "Let's eat," phrase said at beginning of every meal

  • "" (ごちそうさま): "I thank you for the meal," phrase said at end of every meal

  • (おみやげ): gift

  • (おせんべい): rice crackers

  • Otoshidama (お年玉): packet of money given to children during New Years

💥 Strive for a Five Vocabulary

  • Sonkei (尊敬): respect

  • Myōji (名字): last name, family name

  • Hanasu (話す): to talk

  • Watasu (渡す): to hand over, to give

  • Shokuji (食事): meal

  • Taberu (食べる): to eat

  • Osara (お皿): plate

  • Okane (お金): money

  • Kangae (考え): thought

  • Kyōiku (教育): education

Key Terms to Review (8)

Goshisōsama

: Goshisōsama is an expression used after finishing a meal to show appreciation for the delicious food and hospitality received. It conveys gratitude towards the host or cook.

Hashi

: Hashi means chopsticks in Japanese. They are utensils commonly used for eating meals in Japan instead of forks and knives.

Itadakimasu

: Itadakimasu is a Japanese phrase used before starting a meal to express gratitude for the food. It is a way of acknowledging the effort and hard work that went into preparing the meal.

Myōji (名字)

: Myōji refers to one's family name or surname in Japanese. It is a common practice for individuals in Japan to have their family name come before their given name.

Ojigi

: Ojigi refers to the act of bowing in Japanese culture. It is considered a polite gesture and is commonly used as a form of greeting, apology, or showing gratitude.

Omiyage

: Omiyage refers to souvenirs or gifts that are brought back from travels or visits. They are often given to friends, family, or coworkers as a way of showing appreciation and sharing experiences.

Osenbei

: Osenbei are traditional Japanese rice crackers that are usually baked or grilled. They come in various shapes and flavors, and are often enjoyed as a snack with tea or as a topping for soups.

San

: San is a Japanese honorific title used to address someone with respect. It is equivalent to the English titles of Mr., Mrs., or Miss.


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© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.

AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.